Weekend of all things outdoors returns for a second year

Climbers, walkers, bikers, runners and those who simply love the outdoors are set for a treat when The Outdoor City Weekender returns to Sheffield for a second year in March.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the weekend of high-octane outdoor fun will take place from 17 to 19 March in and around Sheffield: The Outdoor City.

The headline events of the weekend will once again be the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF), the Climbing Works International Festival (CWIF) and The Magnificent Seven hill climb challenge.

And joining them for the first time in 2017 is the Howard Street Dual – a head-to-head race in which two riders battle each other to see who can make it down a purpose-built track in Howard Street the fastest.

Councillor Leigh Bramall, Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is increasingly cementing its position as the UK’s Outdoor City, and the Weekender is an opportunity to really showcase the unique offer that we have here.

“The festival is about pulling our outdoor events together and celebrating the people, places and activities that make us The Outdoor City.

“By promoting these events as one big ‘festival of the outdoors’ we can showcase the very best of Sheffield not just to visitors, but to those who already live, work and play here but would like to try something different.”

One of the highlights of the weekend will be The Magnificent Seven, a unique cycling event that challenges participants to face seven of Sheffield’s toughest hills.

The route, which is nearly 27 miles, presents each rider with over 3,800ft of climbing on closed roads, with inclines ranging from nine to 23 per cent.

For the second running of this unique event, the field is limited to just 100 cyclists. Entries are now open.

Meanwhile, ShAFF runs over all three days of the Weekender, featuring films based on the themes of bike, run, adrenaline, adventure, and young adventurers. The festival is based at the Showroom Cinema, with additional screenings nearby at Sheffield Hallam University.

Matt Heason, Director of ShAFF, said: “Whatever you are planning to do over The Outdoor City Weekender, the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival, located in the heart of the city at The Showroom Cinema is the place to hang out, watch a film and share your tales of adventure.

“Now in its 12th year, ShAFF offers the very best of adventure films from around the world alongside supporting and raising the profile of local talent.”

CWIF, meanwhile, attracts professional climbers from around the world, who compete alongside amateurs of all ages and abilities. Last year, 450 competitors from 23 countries took part in the event at the Climbing Works, and the same number are expected in 2017.

Sam Whittaker, Managing Director of the Climbing Works, said: “CWIF has been an important part of the Sheffield climbing scene for the last decade and in 2016 we were very proud to be a key event in the inaugural Outdoor City Weekender.

“In 2017, we are extremely excited to once again be an integral part of an even bigger schedule, and are looking forward to a weekend of events that really showcases the incredible diversity and range of sports the city of Sheffield offers the outdoor enthusiast.”

And the Howard Street Dual will be held on Saturday, 18 March. Invited riders will race head to head down a short course, descending along grassy and gritty slopes from Hallam Square towards the railway station. Further details on this exciting event, set to be held for the first time, are coming soon – and star names in the MTB world are expected to take part.

Fringe events to take place as part of The Outdoor City Weekender will be announced in the coming weeks and are set to include runs, cycling events, family fun and much more.

Headline event organisers will be releasing further details and ticket information over the next two weeks.

The Outdoor City website also offers and opportunity to learn more about the most stunning views, world class climbs, tracks and trails that Sheffield can offer.

Written and produced by Sheffield walkers, runners, climbers, cyclists and mountain bikers this website captures the very latest goings-on from those who love the outdoors for those who love the outdoors.

Packed full of trails, routes, guide information, signposts to travel and hospitality information plus recommendations from people in-the-know, The Outdoor City website is for the enjoyment of anyone planning a city break with a twist, indulging a passion for the outdoors or even taking their first steps into the adventure playground on their doorstep.